抄録
Using Tokyo primary school children in grades 2-4 as subjects, a dental examination together with 3 caries activity tests, Snyder test (ST media, simplified method), Cariostat and the Buffer Test were carried out. In addition, the plaque adherence test, DI-S, and the primary molar test, DHC, were conducted. The patients were then followed for 2 years and the relationship with the increased DMF index (ΔDMFT) was investigated.
An attempt was then made to determine which test was the most effective for caries screening. The results are as follows:
1) No significant correlation between the DMFT obtained at the initial examination and the ΔDMFT during the observation period was observed.
2) Among the caries activity tests, the Snyder test at all observation periods showed a significant correlation with respect to ΔDMFT. In addition, there was a strong correlation between the results of the Snyder test and the average ΔDMFT value.
3) The Snyder test was found to be relatively superior to the other caries activity tests as judged by the ROC Map and Odds Ratio. When the Snyder test was used in combination with the Cariostat or Buffer test, the accuracy of the positive reactions was increased. However, in practical terms, the Snyder test by iteself was judged to be the best.
4) For screening tests conducted using DI-S and DHC, from the point of view of the DMFT, the results of the former were poor, while it can be said that DHC was more sensitive and specific and the positive reaction more accurate. Therefore, it appears to be useful for short term estimates.
5) Summarizing the above, for predicting caries outbreak in primary school children, the Snyder test alone was best at predicting risk, with DHC also being relatively good. Using combined resulted in omission of the high risk groups, so their use is probably not wise.
